Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are set to establish a new intergovernmental commission to oversee the joint management of transboundary water resources, following the ratification of a bilateral agreement by Kazakhstan’s Majilis (parliament).

The agreement on the rational use and management of shared water facilities was signed on November 15 during a state visit by Kazakhstan’s leadership to Uzbekistan, The Caspian Post reports via Kazinform.

The initiative aims to improve coordination in the use of cross-border water infrastructure and ensure the safe operation of interstate water systems. A key component of the deal is the creation of an Intergovernmental Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Water Management Commission.

The two countries plan to introduce coordinated water accounting at border hydrological stations, jointly allocate water resources, and develop an automated monitoring system with real-time data sharing. The agreement also includes measures to promote water-saving technologies, modernize shared infrastructure, and strengthen oversight of water usage to prevent resource depletion.

In addition, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will coordinate efforts to prevent and respond to both natural and human-induced emergencies affecting water systems.